Logistics UAS Configuration and Analysis Software (LUCAS) and Optimal Air Vehicle Configurations

Crgo, an emerging company with extensive experience in developing and deploying autonomous UAS systems and associated software, is poised to serve as a crucial partner for AFWERX Prime and Air Force Futures in advancing autonomous systems for military logistics. Central to Crgo’s technology suite is the Logistics UAS Configuration and Analysis Software (LUCAS), a powerful tool designed to gather, analyze, and utilize industry-specific data to guide the development of tailored autonomous aircraft. Additionally, Crgo has developed a modular, highly configurable UAS that serves as a test-bed to de-risk and validate new technologies and the operational data produced by LUCAS. In this effort, Crgo is providing a suite of modeling and simulation capabilities, real world technical data from sub-scale UAS, and design guidance for full-scale UAS systems. Leveraging Crgo’s LUCAS software and its model-based approach to integrate the broad knowledge and data collected by AFWERX Prime and Air Force Futures, Crgo will provide the DAF with the ability to create thoughtful and validated requirements for one or more classes of logistics-carrying UAS for DoD and commercial use. The technical requirements for UAS that are derived from these analyses will be validated using the Crgo’s modular, highly configurable sub-scale UAS system. This testing performed will be used to study the aerodynamics and operational characteristics of the proposed full-scale designs. Crgo will first modify its existing commercial LUCAS software package for the DoD with an aim to help the USAF identify the optimal runway-independent logistics UAS configurations for future missions in the Pacific theaters. The software package includes a Logistics UAS Value Simulator, a UAS Route database for the INDOPACOM AOR, and an Aircraft Performance Simulator. Crgo will conduct a detailed analysis of quantitative and qualitative DoD data, alongside consultations with key stakeholders and participation in field exercises, to tailor solutions for contested environments. Crgo will integrate this data collected to recast LUCAS as a software package optimized for DoD applications. The modeling and simulation software, LUCAS, will be used to modify, test and demonstrate a prototype sub-scale aircraft that represents the ideal aerodynamic configuration for DAF’s logistics requirements. This altered aircraft and appropriate sub-systems will be integrated, put through benchtop tests, and flight tested. Flight data, performance and characteristics analysis, and video of the testing will be delivered to the DAF end-user and customers.  Crgo will utilize findings from the previous activities along with the results of the LUCAS software to create a proposed design for a full-scale, runway-independent autonomous logistics UAS optimized for DoD use and specifically oriented for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), marking a transition to Phase III efforts.